The deal, worth around USD 2 billion, was signed on Monday at a military base in Sochaczew, near Warsaw.
It is part of the second phase of Poland’s multi-stage Wisła (Vistula) air defence programme, which focuses on developing long-range air and missile defence capabilities.
In the first phase, the country purchased two batteries of Patriots—each with eight launchers—which are now being integrated into the armed forces.
The second phase will add six more batteries (48 launchers), alongside advanced 360-degree radars (LTDAMS) and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) for coordinated defence management.
'Effective cooperation for defence and security'
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Donald Tusk called Poland "a unique example of effective cooperation for the defence and security of the United States, NATO and Europe as a whole."
He added: "For us, alliances, stability and Polish-American cooperation are not abstract concepts—they are concrete priorities illustrated by the billions of dollars and euros we are investing in our own security."
The agreement covers technical support, logistics and training for the Patriot systems, which are already being introduced into the Polish armed forces.
It follows a series of earlier deals as part of Poland’s effort to build up what it describes as the "highest level" of its air defence—a reference to systems with a range of over 100 km.
Tusk used the occasion to stress Poland’s role as a reliable ally within NATO.
"Poland has consistently proven itself a loyal and stable partner," he said. "Regardless of political turbulence, we will remain a country that honours its alliances and respects every agreement."
He urged other NATO members to "draw inspiration from Poland’s example."
'No room for conflict within NATO': Polish PM
The prime minister also warned of the risks of a new global confrontation, underscoring how Russia's war against Ukraine had made those risks painfully real.
"This is a time for consolidation and full cooperation," he said. "There can be no room for conflict within the NATO alliance. We all share a single, common interest."
Tusk also appealed for continued unity within NATO, and stressed that NATO must act as a credible deterrent to its adversaries.
"A strong Europe, a strong NATO, and a sovereign Ukraine are all elements of a safe future for member nations," he said.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks at the signing of the USD 2 billion deal in Sochaczew near Warsaw on Monday, March 31, 2025. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
'Fundamental investment'
Poland’s Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz called the Patriot acquisition the country’s largest defence expenditure and insisted the investment is essential.
"It’s sometimes 10 times more expensive to defend than to attack, but this is a fundamental investment," he said, acknowledging that protecting airspace is far more costly than launching attacks.
He also dismissed political speculation that future Polish governments might cancel US defence contracts, declaring: "Today is the best day to say clearly that no contracts will be cancelled."
'Mutual trust between US and Poland'
Daniel Lawton, chargé d’affaires at the US embassy in Warsaw, described the agreement as "another milestone in our shared defence and security cooperation."
He praised Poland for being the first country in the world to declare initial operational capability with the Patriot system.
"This is not a system handed out to just anyone," Lawton said. "The depth of our cooperation is a testament to the mutual trust between the United States and Poland."
He added that the deal ensures Polish personnel will be trained and equipped to operate the system for years to come, and that the partnership will continue to support NATO’s evolving capabilities.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP